"I really didn't put too much thought into all that," Peppers said. "The only people I care about how they receive me are these guys in the locker room, the coaches, my family and friends. ... I'm happy being here right now. I'm not going to discuss anything."

Dallas' defense looks like it could use Peppers — or anyone who could provide a spark.

After leading the league in sacks last season, with DeMarcus Ware registering an NFL-best 20, the Cowboys don't have a single one through two games. They haven't forced a turnover yet, either, a surprising double negative.

Facing Delhomme could be exactly what this unit needs. Then again, facing this unit might be exactly what Delhomme needs.

Dallas struggled against the run in the opener, then was beaten by the pass in the second game. Within those game films there could be enough clues for Carolina to find the right mix of Delhomme and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to exploit all the weaknesses.

"I think offensively we're somewhat getting there," Delhomme said. "We came into the year: run game, run game. But that doesn't just happen."

Fan ranker Who’s on NFL’s ‘hot seat’? The Bears are out of the playoff chase. What does that mean for Lovie Smith? How hot is his seat? Here’s your chance to rank all the NFL coaches. NBCSports.com

The Cowboys had their best rushing performance in 14 years in the last game, breaking free for 251 yards.

Marion Barber led the way, but hurt his left thigh on his final carry. He's been limited in practice but is expected to play. If he doesn't, that'll mean more carries for backups Felix Jones (who had 96 yards on seven carries) and Tashard Choice.

Dallas has beaten Carolina three times in a row and seven of the last eight, but that one loss came in the most important matchup, a playoff game after the 2003 season, when Delhomme was on the rise and Romo was an undrafted rookie lucky to be on the roster.

After NBC's boffo ratings for the first regular-season game at Cowboys Stadium, ESPN gets to showcase the $1.15 billion building in prime time.

"I think just the overall spectacle and so forth is over with," Dallas coach Wade Phillips said. "Now it feels more like home."

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 9 games STEELERS 28, BRONCOS 10: Roethlisberger throws 3 TDs COWBOYS 20, EAGLES 16: Austin’s TD puts Dallas atop NFC East COLTS 20, TEXANS 17: Indy's 17th-straight regular season win  |    Video SAINTS 30, PANTHERS 20: N.O. now 8-0 for first time in its history CHARGERS 21, GIANTS 20: N.Y. loses 4th straight  |    Video BUCS 38, PACKERS 28: Rookie QB leads Tampa to first win  |    Video PATRIOTS 27, DOLPHINS 17: Brady-Moss connection thrives  |    Video CARDINALS 41, BEARS 21: Warner tosses 5 TDs  |    Video BENGALS 17, RAVENS 7: Cincy cements AFC North status  |    Video FALCONS 31, REDSKINS 17: Atlanta gets into scuffle, still wins TITANS 34, 49ERS 27: Young improves to 2-0 as a starter this year SEAHAWKS 32, LIONS 20: Seattle overcomes 17-0 hole JAGUARS 24, CHIEFS 21: Chargers cast-off Chambers can't save K.C. Byes: Bills, Browns, Raiders, Rams, Vikings, Jets